A transfer of power at WHS: Kenney happy to be a Wildcat (VIDEO)

Wilmington High running back John Kenney has already rushed for 745 yards after transferring from Central Catholic. SUN/JOHN LOVE

WILMINGTON -- John Kenney is proof positive that when it comes to gridiron reunions you can go home again.

Since early in his freshman year Kenney had attended Central Catholic, where the Wilmington resident was a member of the Raiders' high-powered football program. But Kenney decided to transfer to his hometown high school for his senior campaign. Kenney's arrival at Wilmington High wasn't merely a new beginning for him -- it coincided with a new beginning for the Wildcats.

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First-year head coach Craig Turner was determined to bring about a reversal of fortune to a proud program that wanted to get back to its winning ways. And Kenney has emerged as an electrifying two-way starter who has sparked the resurgent Wildcats' run to glory this fall.

Kenney may only stand 5-foot-5 and weigh 160 pounds, but he's become a big part of the game plan on a Wilmington club that is 4-1. A multi-talented back, Kenney has rushed for 745 yards and leads Eastern Mass. Division 4 in scoring with 68 points (10 touchdowns). On defense, Kenney has two interceptions.

"He's been a big part of our success," said Turner. "To be able to hand it to a back like him 25 times a game certainly takes a lot of pressure off our other kids, many of whom are learning new roles."

Kenney was used primarily on special teams at Central Catholic. But he did get some time on offense and scored a touchdown in the Raiders' loss to Everett in an MIAA Division 1 North playoff semifinal last year.

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"I liked Central Catholic but it's my senior year and all my good friends are here and I wanted to come back and play football with them," said Kenney, who attended BC High before transferring to Central Catholic during his freshman year. "It's awesome to me to be able to be part of the success the team is experiencing this year. To come in here and help these guys get off to a 4-1 start is just a great feeling.

"I came here with the mentality that I needed to work harder than everybody else.

John Kenney ... Wilmington High star

I just wanted an opportunity, and once I got that opportunity, make the most of it by showing what I can do."

Kenney has the build of a low gravity make-'em-miss runner. But he can pound and mash inside. He was at his best in Wilmington's come-from-behind victory over Watertown, 32-17, last Friday, rushing for 153 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a key interception in the second half.

"John is kind of our main offensive weapon," said Turner. "We definitely have some other kids, but John is our go-to guy right now. It's a blessing that he's here at Wilmington High.

"He's not a big kid but his legs are enormous. He has calves the size of some of our kids' arms. He's really tough and he puts in a lot of work in the weight room. I think that is the main reason why he's had so much success."

Even more important than his escape ability is Kenney's durability.

"You see him and he looks like a prototypical third down back," said Turner. "But some of the things he does best are things you expect from a bigger back. He's an excellent pass blocker. He is willing to lower his shoulder and run through a guy. And you have to remember he's putting his shoulder pads into your thighs. There was a play against Watertown where a linebacker was standing in the hole and he just ran through the tackle and then outran the safety for a touchdown."

Kenney is far from a one-man show on offense. Teams have a difficult time keying on him due to the excellent play of quarterback Graham Smith and back/receiver Tyler Roberts. Kenney is quick to credit Wilmington's offensive linemen for the role they've played in his success.

"Our line has played great," said Kenney. "They've opened up some real big holes. They make things easy for me. We're winning as a team."

Kenney, who hopes to continue playing football in college, also is a difference-maker on Wilmington's hard-hitting defense.

"As much praise as he gets for playing running back, he's just as good at corner," said Turner. "He's just a special player."

Who is back playing football with his hometown friends and helping Wilmington High have what's fast becoming a special season.

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